Jonathan Evison, author of 'West of Here'

Set in the fictional town of Port Bonita (based on the actual town of Port Angeles), on Washington State’s rugged Pacific coast, West of Here is propelled by a story that both re-creates and celebrates the American experience. Jonathan Evison has divided his narration into two time periods: one focused on the town’s founders circa 1890, and another showing the lives of their descendants in 2006. The novel develops as a kind of conversation between two epochs, one rushing blindly toward the future and the other struggling to undo the damage of the past.

This novel does more than tell a story, however, it illustrates a sharp contrast between the attitudes and opportunities available to Americans 110 years ago and in the present time.

“An enjoyable, meaty read — a vision of a place told through the people who find themselves at the edge of America's idea of itself.” –Los Angeles Times

Hear Jonathan Evision, a lively and passionate writer and advocate, talk about West of Here and read two passages from the novel during this week's program.

You can listen to the program on the radio or online:

• Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. on Montana Public Radio
• Thursday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m. on Yellowstone Public Radio
• Online, anytime at MTPR.org
• Via the MTPR podcast